NCJ Number
192302
Date Published
2002
Length
25 pages
Annotation
In examining the potential intersection of community policing and police corruption, this chapter contrasts how police agencies have been organized and have operated during the professional and community policing eras.
Abstract
Some have been critical of community policing, suggesting that decentralization, relaxed supervision, and increased freedom may create an environment that will allow for more corruption and misconduct. Despite such speculation, no evidence exists that community policing has an impact (either positive or negative) on rates of such behavior. Despite its many promising advantages, community policing does not eliminate the need for police organizations to be conscious of possible misconduct by officers. As agencies are proactive in implementing community policing, they must also be proactive in using multiple approaches to address corruption and misconduct in the context of community policing. There was a time when police organizations addressed misconduct only when a citizen complaint could be substantiated by ample evidence of wrongdoing. Until such an allegation arose, misconduct was largely ignored. This era has ended; agencies should no longer reactively confront corruption and misconduct in response to complaints. Although such reactive responses are necessary, they must be supplemented with appropriate policies and regulations, efforts that educate officers, a willingness to discipline officers who commit violations, and the creation of an organizational culture that does not support or tolerate corruption or misconduct. 49 references